Basil
Ocimum basilicum is a member of the Lamiaceae (mint) family.
Basil, native to India and Asia, is an annual herb of the mint family.
The crop is now grown commercially worldwide and does extremely well
in a warm and temperate climate. It is cultivated for its aromatic leaves
which are used fresh or dried.
Plants grow in a bushy shape about 18 inches tall, with green, broad
leaves two to three inches long. Leaves are yellow-green to dark green
depending on the type or variety of basil and on the fertility of the
soil. Many small white florets produce dark brown seeds that self-sow
readily.
Uses - Basil has medicinal, culinary, aromatic, ornamental, cosmetic,
and companion planting uses.
An aromatic herb, basil loses its pungency easily if the harvested
herb is stored too long, or is grown in a cold climate. The dried herb
is very different from the fresh in taste and aroma. Fresh basil can
be stored in olive oil or vinegar, -- this oil can be used for salad
dressings or for cooking. Do not chop, crush, or tear fresh basil until
the very last minute, or its flavor will dissipate. It makes a zesty
vinegar. Fresh basil is an essential ingredient of pesto and is synonymous
with "Italian" food. In cooking use basil with tomatoes, cheese,
cream cheese, pasta, cream, eggs, peas, potatoes, beets, carrots, stews,
soups, salads, vinegars, and oils.
The cosmetic industry uses basil oil in lotions, shampoos, perfumes
and soaps. Dried basil is also used in potpourris and sachets.
Basil Grilled Salmon
This recipe can also be prepared on a stovetop. Salmon filets vary
greatly in size and weight. This recipe is for one filet, each serving
should be approximately 1/2 pound. Adjust the number of filets to meet
your dinner requirements. Other types of fish can be substituted with
excellent results (tuna steaks, swordfish, marlin, etc).
Ingredients:
1 Salmon Filet
1 Yellow Onion
1 Tablespoon Dried Basil
2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
Preparation:
Thaw salmon filet, then rinse well under cold water. Pat dry.
Pour olive oil onto a plate large enough to hold filet. Place
filet on plate and flip to coat entire surface with oil. Finish with
filet skin side down. Sprinkle Basil evenly over salmon filet.
Slice onion paper thin across the rings and arrange on top of filet
to cover it with one layer.
Cooking:
Preheat gas grill, then reduce flame to low. Place salmon/basil/onion
unit on grill, skin side down. Close grill cover and cook until done
(approx 45 minutes depending on your grill), checking frequently. On
double burner grills it is sometimes necessary to shut off one side
of the grill after preheat, and leave the other side on low. Depending
on your grill the fish can then be place on either side of the burner,
the intention is to cook it slowly without burning the bottom.
Variations:
Water or beer soaked wood chips (Hickory, Mesquite, etc) can be added
to the grill coals for a smoked flavor. Other fish can be substituted
for the salmon (tuna steaks, marlin, swordfish) with excellent results.
Thin lemon slices can be placed between the onions and the filet.
Stovetop Version:
Same ingredients as above, with the addition of 2-3 extra tablespoons
of olive oil.
Add 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil to a covered pan large enough for
the salmon to lay flat. Heat pan to medium. Reduce heat to medium
low.
Salmon can be prepared as above and placed skin side down in bottom
of skillet, or you can lay the onions slices in the skillet and then
place the basil/olive oil/salmon filet on top, skin side up. Cook
covered on low/medium_low until done (approx 30 minutes).
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Oregon's Tricounty Farm Information Area
We have farms that serve basil and basil products to the following cities within Washington County, Multnomah
County and Clackamas County area:
- Portland, Oregon - basil
- Beaverton, Oregon - basil
- Hillsboro, Oregon - basil
- Clackamas, Oregon - basil
- Canby, Oregon - basil
- Oregon City, Oregon - basil
- Sauvie Island, Oregon - basil
- Oregon City, Oregon - basil
- Aurora, Oregon - basil
- Forest Grove, Oregon - basil
- Eagle Creek, Oregon - basil
- Banks, Oregon - basil
- Newberg, Oregon - basil
- Wilsonville, Oregon - basil
- Tigard, Oregon - basil
- Cornelius, Oregon - basil
- North Plains, Oregon - basil
- Milwaukie, Oregon - basil
- Corbett, Oregon - basil
- Tualatin, Oregon - basil
- Sherwood, Oregon - basil
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